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Security Researcher Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Product Security Architect

Troy, MI

$61.50 - $79.50/hr

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY YOUR ROLE Wind River Systems is seeking an experiencedSoftware Product Security Architect to join the R&D Security Office to scale trust in our product security to meet ...

Product Security Architect

Troy, MI · On-site

$61.50 - $79.50/hr

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY YOUR ROLE Wind River Systems is seeking an experienced Software Product Security Architect to join the R&D Security Office to scale trust in our product security to meet ...

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Security Researcher information

See Michigan salary details

$41

$44

$47

How much do security researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for security researcher in Michigan is $44.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.37 and $46.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a security researcher?

A security researcher keeps up-to-date on all the latest developments in threats to computer software and networks. These threats include different types of malware, such as computer viruses, malicious software and scripts, and direct attacks on a network. The main duties of a security researcher are to investigate existing types of malware, analyze their capabilities, and attempt to predict new forms of malware to develop appropriate security responses. They may reverse engineer malware or test security systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a security researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Security Researcher, you need deep expertise in computer science, networking, vulnerability assessment, and malware analysis, often supported by a degree in cybersecurity or related fields. Familiarity with tools like IDA Pro, Wireshark, Metasploit, and certifications such as OSCP or CEH is highly valued. Analytical thinking, curiosity, and strong written and verbal communication help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for identifying emerging threats, effectively communicating risks, and developing solutions to protect organizations' digital assets.

What are some common challenges security researchers face when collaborating with development teams?

Security Researchers often encounter challenges when working with development teams, such as communicating complex vulnerabilities in a way that is actionable for developers and aligning on remediation priorities. Bridging the gap between security findings and practical implementation requires clear documentation and a collaborative mindset. Additionally, researchers must balance thorough testing with minimal disruption to production environments, ensuring security improvements integrate smoothly into development cycles.

What is the difference between Security Researcher vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity ResearcherSecurity Analyst
CredentialsCertifications like CISSP, CEH, OSCPCertifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, GIAC
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, cybersecurity firms, R&D teamsSecurity operations centers, corporate IT teams
Employer & IndustryTech companies, cybersecurity firms, government agenciesFinancial institutions, healthcare, enterprise companies
Primary FocusIdentifying vulnerabilities, developing exploits, analyzing threatsMonitoring security systems, incident response, implementing security measures

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, Security Researchers primarily analyze vulnerabilities and develop exploits to understand threats better. Security Analysts focus on monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents within organizations. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and daily tasks.

What do you need to be a security researcher?

A security researcher typically needs a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, programming skills, and knowledge of networks and systems. Relevant certifications like CISSP or CEH can enhance credibility, and familiarity with tools such as Wireshark or penetration testing frameworks is beneficial. A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is often required, along with analytical and problem-solving skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Security Researcher jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Security Researcher jobs in Michigan are:

What job categories do people searching Security Researcher jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Security Researcher jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Security Researcher job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,260 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Staff Product Cybersecurity Engineer - Offensive Product Security

Milford, MI • On-site


General Motors
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 307 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 45 rated automakers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$140 - $190/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

## Staff Product Cybersecurity Engineer - Offensive Product SecurityApplyremote type: Hybridlocations: Milford, Michigan, United States of America: Warren, Michigan, United States of Americatime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: JR-202616758**Job Description****The Role**The Staff Product Cybersecurity Engineer, Offensive Product Security role sits within the broader Product Cybersecurity organization at General Motors and focuses on offensive security services that help strengthen confidence in the security of our product portfolio. Through penetration testing, red-team activity, and security research, this engineer helps identify meaningful weaknesses in software, systems, and product implementations across embedded vehicle software, mobile experiences, and product-backed software and services. This role works closely with product teams to assess real-world attack paths, validate risk, and provide actionable findings that help find areas to mature in our secure SDLC.**What You'll Do*** Perform penetration testing across software, systems, and product environments* Conduct security research that targets meaningful product and technology risks* Execute offensive assessments across embedded, mobile, and backend environments* Identify vulnerabilities, validate impact, and provide clear remediation guidance* Partner with engineering teams to improve security through practical technical findings* Help strengthen offensive methods, tooling, and testing approaches across the portfolio**Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)*** 8+ years of experience in penetration testing, product security, security research, or similar roles* Deep expertise in offensive security testing across applications, software, and systems* Experience with penetration testing, red-team activity, vulnerability research, and exploit validation* Familiarity with embedded security, operating system security, application security, and networking* Able to read-and-write software in a variety of languages to support investigation and tooling* Strong ability to communicate technical findings and work directly with engineers on remediation**What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)*** Prior role(s) in the automotive industry or a similarly complex, deadline driven, and regulated field* Direct experience working on automotive security in any relevant role across the secure SDLC* Published cybersecurity research projects (e.g. conference talks, blog posts, code repositories)* Experience building custom offensive tooling or extending existing security testing capabilities**What You'll Bring*** Deep technical curiosity and strong offensive security instincts across complex product focuses* A rigorous and detail-oriented approach to technical investigation and exploit validation* Clear judgment on risk, exploitability, and practical impact across software and systems* The ability to work independently on complex technical problems and ambiguous attack surfaces* A commitment to helping engineers improve security through detailed, risk-ranked findings#LI-SB3GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908


Working at General Motors


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